Convertible backpack frame, folding chair, stool and note

ABSTRACT

A combination folding chair and stool folds down into a backpack frame with attachable shoulder straps and tote bag. A rear extension of the seat is braced against a tree and the backrest leans against the tree in the chair configuration. The backrest pivots down to form rear legs in a free-standing stool configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to backpacks and portable seating and particularly to a combination carrying and seating device with a convertible chair and stool and backpack frame to which a removable tote bag and shoulder straps are attachable.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Backpack frames constructed of lightweight tubular members of aluminum or other lightweight material, are well known in the art. Such backpack frames are typically of a generally rectangular construction, including vertically disposed side frame members and two or more horizontal connecting members. One or more cloth packs or bags, made of nylon, canvas or the like, are attached to the pack frame by means of a variety of demountable connectors. The backpack frame is typically contoured to fit the user's back and shoulders, and is mounted on the user's back by shoulder straps.

Prior art discloses a substantial number and variety of backpack frames which are convertible into chairs or seats but none having a combination folding chair with a backrest transformable into a freestanding stool.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,255, issued Feb. 20, 1996 to Gansky, shows a multi-functional pack frame assembly which can be assembled and disassembled while selectively functioning as 1) a backpack support assembly; 2) an adjustable chair assembly; 3) a gun rest assembly; and 4) a table assembly. The multi-functional pack frame assembly includes 1) a pack and ground support assembly; 2) a table and gun rest assembly connected to the pack and ground support assembly; 3) a back rest support assembly connectable to the pack and ground support assembly when functioning as a backpack support cushion or chair support member; 4) an adjustable elevation support assembly connectable to the pack and ground support assembly to provide adjustable elevational support thereto; and 5) a shoulder connector and support assembly connected to the pack and ground support assembly for attachment to shoulder portions of a camper/hunter member for conveyance thereof. The pack and ground support assembly provides a seat cushion member for functioning as a chair support member or a backpack support cushion. The table and gun rest assembly is a combination gun rest assembly and table member usable in selected interconnected conditions. The adjustable elevation support assembly includes a main support rod member connected to a support foot member and selectively connected to the pack and ground support assembly to provide an adjustable height function for support by the support foot member on an irregular terrain support surface.

U.S. Patent Application #20040189062, published Sep. 30, 2004 by Knight, is for different types of seats for an all terrain bench pack, which is carried by one person the same way you carry a backpack. It's designed for outdoor use regardless of weather conditions. The different size compartments hold all kinds of items. The unit has sports quick release hardware, padded compartments and indestructible and waterproof material and zippers with scent-lok system. The frame converts to a very comfortable and sturdy bench (seat) without disconnecting anything. Each of the four legs adjusts individually to different lengths to assure a comfortable and level seat regardless of terrain. Extra large feet keep everything stable in uneven rocky or soft ground. The bench (seat) sports a back for extra comfort while sitting long periods.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,250,449, issued May 10, 1966 to Woodman, claims a convertible camping pack frame which can serve as a stool, chair, table or folding bed. However, there is no disclosure of a pack bag or a readily accessible location for such pack bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,517, issued Sep. 11, 1990 to Maresca, discloses a combination backpack and chaise. The main chaise frame has left and right side rails to which legs are attached. A backrest is pivotally mounted on the side rails of the frame to be raised to a selected rest position. A leg rest is telescopically positioned from the main frame and thereupon a cover is attached over the main frame, the leg rest and the backrest. A back angular adjustment, arm rest and foot rest may also be provided. A detachable backpack is secured to the frame by attachable straps, and has shoulder and waist straps for carrying the combination.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,760, issued Mar. 19, 1996 to Pielocik, indicates an interconvertible backpack and chair apparatus that includes a first frame assembly which includes a pair of retractable first legs which are capable of supporting a rolled-up sleeping bag when the apparatus is in a backpack mode. The first legs serve as rear legs of a chair when the apparatus is in a chair mode. A first storage compartment is attached to the top end of the first frame assembly. A first hinge assembly connects the bottom end of the first frame assembly to the back end of a second frame assembly and permits the second frame assembly to be rotated with respect to the first frame assembly when the apparatus is shifted from a backpack mode to a chair mode and vice versa. A seat assembly is attached to the first frame assembly and is in alignment with the first storage compartment when the apparatus is in a backpack mode, and the seat assembly is oriented at right angles to the first storage compartment when the apparatus is in a chair mode. A third frame assembly serves as the front legs in the chair mode. A second hinge assembly connects the front end of the second frame assembly to the top end of the third frame assembly. The second hinge assembly permits the third frame assembly to be rotated with respect to the second frame assembly when the apparatus is shifted from a backpack mode to a chair mode and vice versa.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,112, issued Jul. 14, 1998 to Krulik, puts forth a back pack in combination with a seat unit in which the seat unit may be completely separated from the back pack when it is desired to use the seat unit and when in its storage condition is compactly contained within an auxiliary compartment of the back pack. The seat unit may also be used while it is connected to the back pack, with a portion of the back pack re-positioned to provide a cushion for the seat. The seat unit is formed of a pair of pivoted leg sections, which support a flexible seat, and is secured to a planar support member for the emplacement of the seat unit within the back pack.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,716, issued Nov. 14, 2000 to Caicedo, concerns a combination backpack and folding chair having a generally U-shaped seat frame defining a crossmember and side portions terminating in a pair of ends. A seatback frame provides a second generally U-shaped member having a second crossmember and side portions which terminate in a pair of acutely angled support members. The ends of the seat frame are pivotally secured to the support members of the seatback frame. A fabric seat web is secured to the side portions of the seat frame while a backpack is secured to the seatback frame. The seat frame is pivotable with respect to the seatback frame between an open position forming a chair and a closed position in which the seatback frame and seat frame are locked together on the rear portions of the backpack.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,345, issued Dec. 11, 1984 to Pierce, illustrates a backpack chair which is provided with shoulder straps and a back rest. The shoulder straps and back are independent of the pack container whereby to permit distribution of the weight to be carried and to facilitate the carrying of heavy loads. The frame is formed of a series of sub-frames which unfold to form a structure which can serve as a chair and as a stand for holding and retaining the pack container in upright position when the pack is not being carried.

Three U.S. Pat. No. 5,527,088 issued Jun. 18, 1996; U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,318 issued Jul. 23, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,064 issued Jul. 16, 1996 all to MacLean, are for a combination backpack and chair. A pack frame that is convertible to a chair is provided, having a generally rectangular shaped back section which has fittings that allow a back pack to be attached to it, and a generally rectangular shaped seat section pivotally connected to the back section. The back and seat sections have fabric or plastic panels attached to each respectively that form the back and seat of the chair. Two adjustable shoulder straps are each attached at one end to the front of the chair seat and at the other end to the lower portion of the rear leg member of the chair. When the invention is folded into position for use as a pack frame, the member that forms the front of the chair seat pivots and hooks or latches into the back of the chair, locking the device into a rigid pack frame, and retaining clips hold the front and rear legs together. All horizontal cross members are shaped to curve away from the user's body when the invention is used as a pack frame, for the comfort of the user. The invention is designed to be used with a padded hip belt and ventilated back pad for the user's comfort. A second embodiment of the combination pack and chair in which a rigid backpack is attached to the back of a chair, so that when the combination pack and chair is carried on a person's back, the chair is held away from the person's back so it will not rub or bump the user's body. A third embodiment of the combination pack and chair in which a rigid backpack is attached to the underside of a folding chair, so that when the combination pack and chair is carried on a person's back, the folding chair is held away from the person's back and will not rub or bump against the user's body.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,172, issued May 2, 2000 to Welsh, provides a backpack chair unit comprising a frame of a material selected from a metal alloy, including, but not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and steel alloy or plastic. The frame includes a U-shaped seat frame pivotally coupled at its ends to ends of a U-shaped back frame through a cross-member, a U-shaped front leg frame pivotally coupled to the seat panel and pivotally coupled at its ends to ends of a U-shaped back leg frame. The frame is capable of being folded such that the back frame, the seat frame, the front leg frame, and the back leg frame folds substantially parallel and adjacent to one another.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,548, issued Jun. 30, 1987 to Bradbury, claims a combination pack and frame, which is convertible to a chair. The frame includes a generally rectangular shaped back section fixedly connected to the pack and a generally rectangular seat section that is indirectly connected to the pack and pivotally connected to the back section. The back and seat sections contain back and seat support panels, respectively, that are integrally formed with the material of which the pack is constructed. Each of two adjustable shoulder straps is attached at one of its ends to the front portion of the seat section and at its opposite end to the bottom portion of the pack and which, in the chair mode, wrap around the chair legs to give the legs added support.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,291, issued Apr. 25, 1995 to Lamb, describes a combined chair and backpack that includes a conventional folding lawn chair type frame having an upper transverse frame member pivotally connected to an upper portion of a pack frame. In an open orientation of the chair, the pack frame and chair back frame form an A-frame configuration to enhance stability. A removable reversible head rest/top pack assembly includes tubular side frame members which telescopically receive upper mounting rod portions of the pack frame. In an open condition, the head rest faces the chair, and in a closed condition the head rest is reversed such that the top pack is disposed in overlying relation with respect to the collapsed chair. A plurality of straps suspend a pair of insulated beverage and food storage bags from respective opposite arm rests. Internal stiffeners maintain the bags erect. In a closed configuration, quick release straps secure edge portions of the bags in adjacent relation. An umbrella is mounted on an upper portion of the pack frame for independent compound pivotal adjustment about two perpendicular axes and useable in both closed transportation and open operative configurations of the chair. The combined chair and backpack includes a variety of attached comfort enhancing and sporting related features such as an insulated beverage holder, fishing creel, and fishing rod holder, all readily and immediately useable upon folding of the chair to an open configuration.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,342, issued Jun. 7, 1994 to Hale, discloses a back pack folding chair that is provided by three simple, U-shaped frames and has one of the panels of a back pack acting as the fabric seat for the folding chair. Back pack side pockets conveniently hang from the arms of the chair. The three U-shaped frames form a seat frame, arm frame and a back frame hinged together to allow the chair to fold into a neat compact package. One of the side pockets attached to the arm frame is removable for use as a waist or “fanny” pack. Shoulder straps and a belt allow the back pack folding chair to be easily carried on the shoulders.

What is needed is a combined back pack and frame which converts into a stool on the ground with the backrest frame pivoted down to form back legs on the stool or a chair with a back support when the backrest frame is pivoted up and the seat frame and backrest frame braced against a tree, and a removable tote.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a combined back pack and frame which converts into a stool on the ground with the backrest frame pivoted down to form back legs on the stool or a chair with a back support when the backrest frame is pivoted up and the seat frame and backrest frame braced against a tree, and a removable tote for a convenient comfortable chair or stool and carrying means for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, or hiking.

A related object of the present invention is to fabricate the structural support members of the combination chair, stool, and backpack frame out of lightweight tubing for strength in use and ease of carrying.

In brief, a combination folding chair with a backrest leans against a tree with the seat portion braced against the tree and the backrest leaning against the tree. The backrest pivots down to form mating legs to the front legs to form a free-standing stool. By folding the combination chair and stool flat and attaching shoulder straps it becomes a backpack frame for carrying a removable tote sack. It can be set up in any outdoor location and easily transported to the location as a backpack.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a triple function seat, stool, and backpack frame for transporting articles for outdoor use in a tote bag so that the user always has comfortable seating readily available upon stopping.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other details of my invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the combination backpack frame, chair, and stool and tote bag of the present invention with the combination chair and stool folded flat in the backpack frame configuration and the shoulder straps and tote bag attached to the frame;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tote bag and shoulder straps of the present invention removed from the frame;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the combination folding chair, stool, and backpack frame in the free-standing stool configuration with the backrest pivoted down to form the back legs of the stool;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the combination folding chair, stool, and backpack frame in the free-standing stool configuration;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the combination folding chair, stool, and backpack frame in the chair configuration with the rear extension of the seat frame and the backrest supported by a tree;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the combination folding chair, stool, and backpack frame in the chair configuration with the rear extension of the seat frame and the backrest supported by a tree.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In FIGS. 1-6, a combination carrying and seating device 20 comprises a convertible chair and stool and backpack frame 21 and 26 with shoulder straps 22 and a tote bag 27.

The convertible frame having two hinged members 21 and 26 comprises a seat frame member 25 having parallel spaced seat side members 26A and 26B with a horizontal seat 25 attached therebetween. The seat side members 26A and 26B curve downwardly in a forward direction from the horizontal seat to form front leg supports with a bottom ground cross member 18 for resting on the ground. The seat side members 26A an 26B extend rearwardly to form a horizontal seat member extension 28 with a seat cross member 29 between the seat side members for bracing against an external vertical object, such as a tree 30 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, to support the horizontal seat.

A backrest frame member 21 attaches to the seat frame member 26 by a pivotable attachment 24. The seat frame member and the backrest frame member have mating holes through adjacent overlapping side members and the pivotable attachment 24 between the seat frame member and the backrest frame member comprises pins through the mating holes. The backrest frame member 21 comprising two backrest side members 21A and 21B spaced apart and attached together by a cross brace 19 at a distal end away from the pivotable attachment 24 and a back rest 23 is attached between the backrest side members 21A and 21B.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, in a chair configuration, the seat cross member 29 is braced against an external vertical object, such as a tree trunk 30 with seat side members of the seat extension 28 straddle the trunk of the tree and the backrest cross brace 19 rests against the tree trunk to form a chair with a backrest.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, in a stool configuration, the backrest frame member 21 pivots downwardly to form rear leg supports for the horizontal seat 25 with the seat cross brace 19 resting on the ground, to form a free-standing stool.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, in a backpack configuration, the backrest frame member 21 and seat frame member 25 pivot into parallel alignment to form a backpack frame. A tote bag 27 is removably attachable by releasable connectors 17, such as mating hook and loop fasteners, to the convertible frame in the backpack configuration for carrying items. A pair of shoulder straps 22 attachable by releasable connectors 17, mating hook and loop fasteners, to the convertible frame in the backpack configuration to support the convertible frame and tote bag over the shoulders of a user. The shoulder straps 22 are preferably provided with a means for adjusting the length of the straps, such as adjustable plastic snaps 15, as shown in FIG. 1, also useful for quick release of the straps.

The frame members 21 and 26 are preferably fabricated of lightweight but high strength steel or aluminum tubing. The seat and backrest preferably fabricated of thin lightweight plywood, plastic or other planar material. The shoulder straps 22 are preferably heavy duty nylon straps.

In use, the frames 21 and 26 are pivoted into alignment and the tote bag 27 and shoulder straps 22 attached by hook and loop fastener straps 17, the tote bag loaded and the convertible seating and carrying device used as a backpack for traveling. After stopping for hunting or other outdoor activity the tote bag and shoulder straps are removed and the convertible frame used as a chair with a backrest against a tree or as a free-standing stool.

It is understood that the preceding description is given merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed. 

1. A combination carrying and seating device having a convertible chair and stool and backpack frame with shoulder straps and a tote bag, the combination device comprising: a convertible frame having two hinged members comprising a seat frame member having parallel spaced seat side members with a horizontal seat attached therebetween, the seat side members curving downwardly in a forward direction from the horizontal seat to form front leg supports and the seat side members extending rearwardly to form a horizontal seat member extension with a seat cross member between the seat side members for bracing against an external vertical object to support the horizontal seat, and a backrest frame member attached to the seat frame member by a pivotable attachment, the backrest frame member comprising two backrest side members spaced apart and attached together by a cross brace at a distal end away from the pivotable attachment and a back rest attached between the backrest side members so that in a first chair configuration, the seat cross member is braced against an external vertical object and the backrest cross brace rests against the external vertical object to form a chair with a backrest, in a stool configuration, the backrest frame member pivots downwardly to form rear leg supports for the horizontal seat to form a free-standing stool, and in a backpack configuration the backrest frame member and seat frame member pivot into parallel alignment to form a backpack frame; a tote bag removably attachable by releasable connectors to the convertible frame in the backpack configuration for carrying items; a pair of shoulder straps attachable by releasable connectors to the convertible frame in the backpack configuration to support the convertible frame and tote bag over the shoulders of a user.
 2. The combination device of claim 1 wherein the seat frame member and the backrest frame member have mating holes through adjacent overlapping side members and the pivotable attachment between the seat frame member and the backrest frame member comprises pins through the mating holes.
 3. The combination device of claim 1 wherein the releasable connectors between the tote bag and the convertible frame comprise mating hook and loop fasteners.
 4. The combination device of claim 1 wherein the releasable connectors between the shoulder straps and the convertible frame comprise mating hook and loop fasteners. 